Methanol → methyl 4-methyl-1H-indole-2-carboxylate

Participants

Reaction Steps

Under an argon atmosphere 4-methyl-1H-indole-2-carboxylic acid (0.64 g, 3.65 mmol) was dissolved in 20 ml of methanol. Concentrated sulfuric acid (0.5 ml) was added and the resulting mixture was heated to reflux and maintained at this temperature overnight. The progress of the reaction was monitored by thin layer chromatography. Some solvent was removed in vacuo and the resulting crystals were removed by filtration. The solids were taken up in diethyl ether, washed twice with saturated sodium bicarbonate, and then once with brine. The organic fraction was dried over magnesium sulfate and the solvents were removed in vacuo.

Provenance & Evidence